Poison Spider
Poison Spider
Nearest City:
Moab,
UT
Region:
Moab
Trailhead Location:
On Highway 279 (Potash Road) just West of Moab
Trailhead GPS:
38°31'57.54"N 109°36'31.96"W
Trail Mileage:
10 Mile +/-
Riding Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult (4 out of 4 on Moab's trail rating scale)
Temperature Range:
40-100°F Depending on Season - Add new comment
- 2458 reads
Recommended Riding Gear
Trail Description
Moab's Poison Spider ATV Trail (also know as the Poison Spider Mesa Trail) is one of the most popular trails in the region. It has scenery and obstacles that are are hard to beat on all of the Moab trails. The trail head is located about six miles down on Highway 279 (Potash Road) after turning off of Highway 191 just north of Moab. The parking lot for the trail head is located on the north side of the road and is well marked, has adequate parking for trucks and trailers, has outdoor restrooms, and a dinosaur footprint you can hike to just off the trail head. Most of this trail is marked with white spray painted jeeps sporadically on the rocks.
Poison Spider has become more difficult over the years due to erosion and a lot of OHV use. The beginning part of the trail gains elevation quickly on several switchbacks and steep rocky climbs. There are several obstacles on your way up to the top of the mesa that may take some rope and few spotters for help. Many of the difficult obstacles on this trail have an easier alternative route, but there are a few tricky parts that riders must engage. One of the more popular obstacles is known as the "wedgie" or "chutes" (a "V" formation in the slickrock) that requires even the best riders to concentrate on wheel positioning and balance.
Once on top of the mesa, riders can see incredible views of the Moab area and the beautiful La Sal Mountains. The trail eventually leads you to a gorgeous sandstone arch with views of the Colorado river as you look down through the arch. Be careful, this is a dangerous cliff area with cliffs over 1000 feet. Shortly after the arch there are some great sand trails and one area with a small dune that is fun to play around on. A good map is helpful on top of the mesa as this trail crosses the "Golden Spike" trail and can get a little tricky.
Eventually Poison Spider loops back up with the trail that you rode in and follows the same path back down the mountain.
This is a really fun trail that is a must ride in the Moab area. Pay close attention to the weather as Poison Spider can get very difficult as it gets wet.
Please review our Terms and Conditions before riding this trail and always remember to Tread Lightly.
Trail Photos
Additional Trail Information
4900 Ft
4000 Ft
Sandstone (Slickrock), Rocks, Sand
Sagebrush, Junipers
Spring and Fall
Moab Visitors Center or Moab Stores
Moab
Plenty off good camp sites along the Colorado River
Moab
Reviews
Poison Spider is one of my favorite Moab Trails. It's got enough tricky obstacles that you have to be a decent rider, but it's not just plain insane like some of the other trails around Moab. This is a fun place to take the family for the views and the riding. The sand dune in the middle of the trail is also a good break and a chance to have a different kind of fun. Be careful once you get to the top not to break off on to the Golden Spike trail.
The first mile or so of this trail is slightly intimidating as you climb up from the parking lot along the edge of the mountain. There are a couple of optional obstacles on this ride that the thrill seekers can tackle while the mild at heart can avoid. Its been a while since I have been on this ride but the pictures of this trail reminded me of how much fun this trail is.
Poison Spider is a great Moab trail and has a great mix of scenery and good obstacles. There are several obstacles on this trail that have alternative routes, but a few that you must climb. I've taken big groups on this trail and everyone did okay...some needed a little help on a few obstacles, but nothing too major. The arch toward the half way point on this trail is a must see.
I rode Poison Spider again on Saturday and had a great ride. The trail was really crowded (could hardly find a spot in the parking lot) but once you got on the trail things mellowed out. It's a great ride with plenty of Slickrock, great views, some tough obstacles, and some sand hills. This is not a ride to take a beginner rider on. It can also get a little confusing at the top as the trail breaks into different loops. If you just follow the signs and spray painted trail markers along the rock you will be fine.
This is for sure a must ride Moab atv trail! It's got everything, views, sand, arches, slickrock, great obstacles, etc. There are a couple of tricky spots but nothing that's too crazy.